Opinion by Aileen Jang, Pharmacist

95% of Albertans polled named pharmacists as the most accessible healthcare professional. Year after year, pharmacists have ranked among the top 3 as the most trusted profession. On May 17, 2018 the new pharmacy Funding Framework will come into effect and the Alberta government claims there will be a savings of $150 million dollars.

The goal of every government is to reduce spending and cut costs. As a taxpayer, I agree with this but only if it is done in a manner that is not harmful to its citizens. When funding is decreased to the pharmacy, patients will ultimately be the ones to pay the price. Wait times for filling your prescriptions; consultations on your medications and health conditions; and injection services will all increase. The reality is that patient care will suffer when pharmacists no longer have the resources to provide the services Albertans have come to rely on.

This past influenza campaign, pharmacists provided 51% of the vaccinations. The reduced fee to community pharmacies for providing this service in future will decrease this number. The result will be an increased strain to the public health clinics and physician offices ultimately resulting in added costs and strain to the healthcare system.

In 2017, pharmacists helped over 16,000 Albertans in their attempt to quit smoking. This service alone will save the system healthcare dollars by improving the health of our patients.

Pharmacists provided over 500,000 Albertans with prescription renewals when they were unable to see or find a family physician. This service allows pharmacist to work with the physician and patient to improve their health while saving the healthcare system money.

Pharmacists are health professionals and want to provide high quality care. However, the NDP government has signaled that patient care is not important, instead focusing solely on a budget that is largely beyond the control of pharmacists as drug costs are not set by pharmacies but by government and big pharma. For these reasons, pharmacists are upset and demanding dialogue but have met with ignorance of the facts and empty promises to engage with us.

This investigation began in late August 2017 when the RCMP’s National Center for Missing and Exploited Children provided information about a Canadian using a social media account to upload and distribute child pornography.

On March 6, 2018 Strathcona County RCMP and ICE investigators executed a search warrant at a home in Sherwood Park. Aljon PASUQUIN, age 21 was arrested without incident and charged with possessing and distributing child pornography.

A number of computers and electronic devices were seized from the home. The seized devices will be subject to a thorough forensic examination to collect additional evidence.

PASUQUIN was released on a recognizance and is scheduled to appear in Sherwood Park Provincial Court on March 13, 2018 at 9:30 a.m.

While the investigation and charges are related to online offences, Strathcona County RCMP are encouraging anyone with information about this case to come forward and contact police or cybertip.ca.